After training in Los Angeles and playing with USA Basketball in the World Championship, the Indiana Pacers forward returned this fall to find a physically transformed Roy Hibbert.

"When you don't see someone for two or three months, you can really tell a difference," Granger said. "He's lost a lot of weight. When we play pick-up, he's blocking shots. I don't think I've seen him miss a jump hook since I've been back.

"He's been outstanding. The things he's done to prepare himself show his commitment to this team."

Hibbert entered training camp weighing 255 pounds, 23 fewer than he carried last season on his 7-2 frame. He also discovered and corrected a previously undetected asthma problem that affected his stamina.

Heading into his third year in the NBA, the Pacers' second-leading returning scorer is no longer a complementary part of the roster who is learning the league.

"He's gone from a guy we were constantly trying to develop to more of a guy that we have to kind of run our offense through . . . in the high post to utilize his passing ability and shooting ability, and in the low post to put pressure point blank on teams," coach Jim O'Brien said.

Hibbert was the Pacers' third-leading scorer last year at 11.7 points per game, behind Granger's 24.1 and the 14.6 of power forward Troy Murphy, who was traded in the offseason.

Hibbert said that even though he lost weight, he gained strength and shouldn't have any issues in the post. An offseason of work not only changed him physically but refined his skills.

"Roy Hibbert has had one of the best summers I've ever witnessed in my years of coaching," said O'Brien, who has been in the business 31/2 decades. "Here's a young guy that understands that certainly it's up to the coaching staff to develop players, but most importantly, it's up to the individual to develop."

Hibbert's passing, O'Brien believes, has been underappreciated. The center averaged just two assists last season, but also flashed signs of what he could do.

He flirted with a triple-double, getting 12 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists in a 107-96 victory over Philadelphia on March 9. A Pacers center hasn't had a triple-double since Steve Stipanovich did it Nov. 16, 1985, against Boston with 20 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists.

Hibbert worked this summer with Bill Walton, even surprising the Hall of Fame center.

"Bill Walton had no idea that Roy could shoot," O'Brien said. "The first day, he said, 'I don't know if I've ever seen anybody more confident from 18 to 19 feet.' Then he said, 'Can he pass?' I said, 'Well, I hate to be biased, but I think if he's not the best passing big man in the league, he's one of them.' "

Hibbert now uses an inhaler in the morning and evening to control athlete-induced asthma. The condition was diagnosed after he routinely felt winded after a short stretch of playing time.

"It should lengthen the period of time I can be on the court," he said.

Being a channel for the offense will be a new role, one that could develop as the season goes along with new point guard Darren Collison.

"It's not that I have to score every time, but I think I can pass the ball really well," Hibbert said. "I take pride in passing the ball and getting my teammates open shots. I feel like if I score, I can pass and make everything better for everybody else."

His teammates think he could be on the verge of a very productive year, a notion that was reinforced in the preseason opener Wednesday at Memphis when Hibbert led the Pacers with 18 points and 10 rebounds.

"The last couple weeks of pick-up games, he was scoring non-stop," shooting guard Brandon Rush said. "His jumper is good. He's stronger. He seems more like a big, big-time center that's going to produce real well for us."

Will Galen

10-08-2010, 07:07 AM

It seems to me at the end of this season we're going to be sitting pretty. We'll have a bunch of young guys with varying degrees of potential and some large expiring contracts. It looks like we might be set at the two hardest positions to fill, with Hibbert at center and Collison at point guard. It also appears if the power forward spot develops we could make the playoffs. Regardless, this year looks like it's going to be really entertaining because of guys like Hibbert!

xtacy

10-08-2010, 07:34 AM

It seems to me at the end of this season we're going to be sitting pretty. We'll have a bunch of young guys with varying degrees of potential and some large expiring contracts. It looks like we might be set at the two hardest positions to fill, with Hibbert at center and Collison at point guard. It also appears if the power forward spot develops we could make the playoffs. Regardless, this year looks like it's going to be really entertaining because of guys like Hibbert!

%100 agreed.

vnzla81

10-08-2010, 09:08 AM

I don't know if I'm the only one that is worry that Hibbert is losing so much weight, even D Howard is like 275 pounds, is this one of those examples were the player is change to fit the system? (just asking, no trying to star another thread with 27+ pages)

vnzla81

10-08-2010, 09:19 AM

Don't get me wrong I like what Roy is doing and that he is fit I'm just dont not about how the weight losing is going to affect his game.

graphic-er

10-08-2010, 09:26 AM

Don't get me wrong I like what Roy is doing and that he is fit I'm just dont not about how the weight losing is going to affect his game.

I wonder too, last year I thought he held his own against Dwight Howard for the most part, even though Howard was stronger, they still had the same weight, so he wasn't getting pushed around.

Guess we'll see tonight. Can Roy's new found powers dominate Superman?

pianoman

10-08-2010, 09:37 AM

I don't know if I'm the only one that is worry that Hibbert is losing so much weight, even D Howard is like 275 pounds, is this one of those examples were the player is change to fit the system? (just asking, no trying to star another thread with 27+ pages)

Being down to 10% body fat will make a difference no matter what system he is in. The good thing about Hib, is he will be quicker than many of the centers in the league. This is a big turnaround from when he entered the league. When he entered, people were saying he'd be one of the slowest centers in the league. Most people who don't follow the pacers still say he is one of the slowest. That will change this year.

I'll be really excited to see us match up against Orlando this season, because I think we match up really well with them.

OT: How many centers are on the all star teams? I thought it was two, and if so, those votes will probably go to D Howard, and Shaq. If three, Hibbert is really going to have to outshine B Lopez to get that spot.

Don't get me wrong I like what Roy is doing and that he is fit I'm just dont not about how the weight losing is going to affect his game.

A concern somewhat, but if he's truly gotten stronger, that won't show much.
And the biggest factor IMO is that he just wasn't quick enough to be a dominate player (HA!).

dohman

10-08-2010, 09:54 AM

losing weight is the best thing hibbert could do.. its not fun trying to carry around 20+ excess pounds of fat.. its bad on your feet and knees. He is going to be less injury prone, faster, and more explosive..

Just because you lost weight doesn't mean you lost muscle.

MLB007

10-08-2010, 10:01 AM

I couldn't be more excited about big Roy and the team in general.
With all our disappointments in players over the past decade, what a thrill to see a borderline talent develop into something much more through his own hard work.
This club is not only vastly more talented than we were a year ago, but the hard work ethic they are showing is going to set the tone for years to come.
Good on ya Big Roy!!!!

Trader Joe

10-08-2010, 10:08 AM

Remember when JO gained weight and immediately lost everything about his offensive game that made him dominant? Well I think we're going to see the exact opposite with HIbbert. Losing 23 lbs off his frame is going to make him feel much more explosive.

I do believe this is the game that Howard gave the crowd the DX "Suck it" sign after he fouled out. He was very playful/colorful with the fans the entire game.

naptownmenace

10-08-2010, 10:14 AM

losing weight is the best thing hibbert could do.. its not fun trying to carry around 20+ excess pounds of fat.. its bad on your feet and knees. He is going to be less injury prone, faster, and more explosive..

Just because you lost weight doesn't mean you lost muscle.

Thanks for typing what I was going to type so that I don't have to type it. :)

I'll just add that I think when JO added 15 lbs, mainly to his upper body, was when he ruined his knees. We don't want that to happen with Roy.

Lance George

10-08-2010, 10:18 AM

What's everyones expectations for Roy's numbers this year?

Trader Joe

10-08-2010, 10:19 AM

I've been thinking that Roy can put up 17 pts, 8 boards, 3 assists a game at a 50% shooting clip.

Ozwalt72

10-08-2010, 10:25 AM

I don't know... Roy looked skinny to me last year anyway. 7-2, 255 isn't BAD though. I'm more interested in seeing what this will do to his defense and rebounding than what it will do to his offensive game. If his added conditioning level will allow him to get into a better athletic stance more often, he'll start winning the leverage battle and be faster laterally. He's always been good boxing out, 23lbs lighter lets see if he can get after them a bit more.

pizza guy

10-08-2010, 10:28 AM

Can we just get the flippin' season started already!?

Roy will dominate this year: 20 pts, 10 boards, 5 assists/gm. And I'm almost serious with that. I expect a lot of improvement from Roy because of his extra work in the offseason, and the addition of DC (and the subtraction of Murphy). I think everything plays into Roy's hands.

--pizza

Ozwalt72

10-08-2010, 10:31 AM

What's everyones expectations for Roy's numbers this year?

Last year's per 36 numbers were 16.7ppg, 8.2rpg, 2.8 apg, 2.3bpg.

He was a better rebounder when Murphy was off the floor. He's supposedly a better shotblocker now, and should get around/over 30mpg. He'll still have some foul trouble, but hopefully he's past the youth issues.

32mpg, 17ppg, 9rpg, 3asp and 2.5bpg would be beyond incredible. That's what I'm HOPING for, but I don't have any actual expectations.

Thanks for the memories. The pass from Price to Hibbert at :27 seconds is great.

Trader Joe

10-08-2010, 10:32 AM

It is Price.

IUfan4life

10-08-2010, 10:33 AM

Most improved player award????

mildlysane

10-08-2010, 10:35 AM

Kareem was super skinny and killed everyone.

cordobes

10-08-2010, 10:43 AM

Don't get me wrong I like what Roy is doing and that he is fit I'm just dont not about how the weight losing is going to affect his game.

It'll make him quicker, spyer, more nimble. IMO, he needs that. Hopefully it'll also improve his endurance and may also have a positive effect in his durability.

Brad8888

10-08-2010, 10:48 AM

OT: How many centers are on the all star teams? I thought it was two, and if so, those votes will probably go to D Howard, and Shaq. If three, Hibbert is really going to have to outshine B Lopez to get that spot.

Not to mention Joakim Noah.

cordobes

10-08-2010, 10:51 AM

Not to mention Joakim Noah.

And Andrew Bogut. Plus coaches don't differentiate the big man positions, so he would probably need to beat guys like Stoudemire and Al Horford to.

pizza guy

10-08-2010, 11:02 AM

See, if he reaches my goal for him of 20/10/5, he won't have to worry about those other guys, lol

Hicks

10-08-2010, 11:04 AM

I think this was definitely the right way for Roy to go, especially in the long term. Less injury risks, faster/quicker, more endurance. I'll take all of that at the potential cost of being a little easier to shove out of the way any time. Especially when we're talking about a highly-skilled 7'2" guy with a 7'6" wingspan.

I think during the last forum party I predicted something like 17 and 7 from him, but I'm now starting to set my expectations higher. I'm thinking closer to 18 and 9.

imawhat

10-08-2010, 11:05 AM

Look at what bulking up did to Jermaine. I'm glad Roy took the opposite route.

righteouscool

10-08-2010, 11:07 AM

I'm so glad the Pacers drafted Roy. He gets it. Obsession, dedication, and hard work make you great. Hopefully he rubs off on the other players. It seems like it has on Paul George.

imawhat

10-08-2010, 11:12 AM

I think during the last forum party I predicted something like 17 and 7 from him, but I'm now starting to set my expectations higher. I'm thinking closer to 18 and 9.

He averaged 12 in 25 minutes with a low number of touches.

With no Troy, a new point guard that will get the ball to him, an offense that is supposed to run through him, and a plan to get him 35 minutes a night, I see him averaging 20.

Day-V

10-08-2010, 11:44 AM

Kareem was super skinny and killed everyone.

Everyone was super-skinny back then.

daschysta

10-08-2010, 01:06 PM

Imagine hibbert being anything close to JO in his prime! Thank god the pacers came out with him instead of just TJ or any other pick.

Say what you want about the pacers but they really are quite decent at finding good talent mid draft.

dohman

10-08-2010, 01:13 PM

Just to give everyone a basic example. I play league basketball 2 times a week. I also lift pretty relgiously and have for many years.

2 years ago I bumped my weight up to over 250 on my 6'3 frame with around 10% body fat. It was by far the worst move I ever made in life and in basketball. I always felt tired, running and sprinting were a chore and my vertical leap went down the craper.

I had constant knee pain and horrible pain in my shins "not shin splints. it was the muscle portion on the opposite side of the calf. My body could not handle the extra weight. Plain and simple. Everytime I have bulked up I have sustained injury. The last time required a surgery to my ankle and I am just now literally recovering. Its been a full year since the surgery.

I told myself I would never be over 220 again and my current weight is 215. At 250 pounds I was able to bench press 315 for sets of 6. At 215 I can bench press 300 for sets of 6. My leg press is actually about 200 pounds stronger doing sets of 8 at over 1k. I now can run the court and actually get results I want out of my vertical.

The reason I bring all this up is because you do not have to have the bulk to have the strength. People thing just because your heavier your stronger. Thats simply not the case. Lean muscle is what you want. A big upper body does nothing for you in the game of basketball. Its mostly leg strength being able to push people around without using your arms for position and for rebounding. If you use your upper body its a easy foul call for the ref.

I defend ex nba players and ex college stars on a weekly basis that are over 7ft and never have a problem. I like the path roy is taking, he is going to be a stud. We are blessed to have 2 picks from first round that no one really wanted turn out to be so dedicated and focused. They very easily could of been normal back up players and we could of been by far the worst team in basketball. So be thankful that they are the future and we have such good cap space after this season.

Its going to be a good 2 years.

Pacers#1Fan

10-08-2010, 01:57 PM

I've been bulking for a few months and have 220 on my 6'0" frame, no idea what my body fat percentage is but guessing, I would say it's around 12-13%. I have gotten to the point that I struggle to touch my own shoulders. For Roy to drop that much weight and still have gotten stronger is a HUGE plus for him basketball wise. He will be more nimble and explosive around the basket. If you get a chance go somewhere and try to jump as high as you can, then go get a 20lb dumb bell and try it again. You will see how much of a benefit the lost weight is, especially for a center.

Pacerfan

10-08-2010, 02:30 PM

By the way, if you check Roy's twitter he says he's down to 8.6% body fat now.
http://twitter.com/#!/Hoya2aPacer

Eindar

10-08-2010, 03:08 PM

I think that this is a great thing for Hibbert. First, it's going to erase his biggest deficiency from prior years, being that his lateral quickness will improve, resulting in less fouls. This will allow him to play 30+ mins per night.

Second, it will improve his vertical, which with his size will make him a formidable shot blocker, assuming his timing isn't miserable. If you look at a guy like Dikembe Mutumbo, he was skinny compared to most of the Centers he was guarding, but he was also an absolute terror on the defensive end. Again, Deke had almost supernatural abilities with timing the shot to block it, but it goes to show that you don't have to be fat to be a good interior defender.

MLB007

10-08-2010, 04:18 PM

Everyone is focusing in the weight, I think the asthma diagnosis is at least as significant.
THAT explains his lack of stamina that was always odd given how hard he works.
I can't WAIT to see this kid running the court now!!

And I REALLY can't wait to see a fine passing big man duo of Roy and Josh in the high and low post.
We have some REAL offensive options with this team!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Part Timer

10-08-2010, 04:43 PM

I don't know if I'm the only one that is worry that Hibbert is losing so much weight, even D Howard is like 275 pounds, is this one of those examples were the player is change to fit the system? (just asking, no trying to star another thread with 27+ pages)

There's only one Dwight Howard in the league and Roy isn't necessarily going to match up favorably with him whether he's playing at 255 or 295lbs.

Roy Hibbert has to be Roy Hibbert, so that he can be a match up problem in his own right. If reducing his body fat makes for a more nimble Roy, then that strikes me as a good thing.

Anthem

10-08-2010, 04:57 PM

And the biggest factor IMO is that he just wasn't quick enough to be a dominate player (HA!).
You did that on purpose.

Trophy

10-08-2010, 05:01 PM

It's amazing how much hardwork Roy has put in since his rookie year.

He's come a long way from being shoved around by players 5 inches shorter than him.

Roy is only gonna get better.

MLB007

10-08-2010, 06:13 PM

See, if he reaches my goal for him of 20/10/5, he won't have to worry about those other guys, lol

I think if his stamina is really that much better (like they are saying) that those numbers are reachable, but I think we've got enough firepower that he might not get the pts.

MLB007

10-08-2010, 06:14 PM

You did that on purpose.

but of course.... :devil:

Kemo

10-08-2010, 06:40 PM

By the way, if you check Roy's twitter he says he's down to 8.6% body fat now.
http://twitter.com/#!/Hoya2aPacer

nice..

haha also on his twitter, he posted a pic of the rooks comin into the arena ..

The biggest problem for Roy last year and one of the reason's he had limited playing time was due to his difficulty defending the pick and roll. Teams would take advantage of his lack of lateral quickness, which would cause him to foul a lot and be mismatched with a lot of centers.

With him losing some weight and getting into such great shape, as others have mentioned, his lateral quickness will improve significantly. This along with his asthma treatment will also mean much better stamina and even further improvements in his PnR defense. I doubt it'll be a problem for him this year.

Also, there are very few big centers anymore. The traditional 280 pound plodding big-man is almost extinct. He'll be able to match up comfortably with most if not all centers now.